Brigada Today
09 Apr 2004

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In this issue...

  1. EMAIL DISTANCE LEARNING IN CHRISTIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
  2. GET FREE 'PRO' SOFTWARE
  3. FOOT-OPERATED WOOD LATHE
  4. HOSPITALITY BOOK: CUP OF COLD WATER
  5. OMF BAY AREA MISSION CONFERENCE
  6. NEW BOOK RELEASE: THE INTERNATIONAL IMPACT OF PRAYER
  7. "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST"
  8. FREE "PEOPLE RAISING" E-MAIL NEWSLETTER
  9. TENTMAKING COURSE FOR EUROPEANS IN BERGEN NORWAY
  10. UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL HEALTHCARE
  11. BRAZILIAN MEDICAL/DENTAL FELLOWSHIP CONGRESS
  12. FUNDING MINISTRY PROJECTS
  13. STM LEADERS TRAINING
  14. STM LEADERS TRAINING - NEW DATES, NEW PLACES, LOWER PRICES!
  15. PERSONAL SUPPORT RAISING TRAINING IN EUROPE
  16. 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR (YWAM) AFRICA
  17. VOLUME 3 OF "STUFF" NOW AVAILABLE
  18. SCHOOL OF CLASSICAL MUSIC IN MISSIONS
  19. WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIANS? THE HERERO PEOPLE OF NAMIBIA
  20. CLOSING STUFF
  1. EMAIL DISTANCE LEARNING IN CHRISTIAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT -- Do you minister to the poor in the U.S. or in the 2/3 World? If so, training that you need is available now via email-based distance courses. Learn innovative, holistic economic development strategies and methodologies to help the poor and build the local church. The Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College, in partnership with Food for the Hungry International, Mission to North America, World Relief, and the Christian Community Development Association, is offering the first course in both our U.S. and 2/3 World /Transitional Economies learning tracks "Foundations and Principles of Holistic Ministry" June 7 - June 25. Or you can attend our live training events in May in Bangkok, Thailand or in August in Lookout Mountain, GA, USA. For more information, visit http://www.chalmers.org or email CEDI@covenant.edu (And again, thanks to the Chalmers Center for their $100 partnership to help underwrite the cost of the Brigada-sponsored secretary!)
  2. GET FREE 'PRO' SOFTWARE -- If you're not ready to switch over to Linux, but still don't want to pay an arm and a leg for Microsoft Office and other MS programs, and then try visiting http://www.openoffice995.com/ and http://www.software995.com/ You'll find a very functional Office package, as well as numerous other programs (including .pdf conversion, a backup program, etc.) Here's the deal, in their own words: "Professional quality software at affordable prices All of our products are available as FREE downloads. The free versions are fully functional, not a trial and do not expire. The free versions display sponsor pages, which may be disabled at any time by purchasing a key. None of our products contain spyware. Purchasing also entitles users to technical support by email (24 hour response). Keys for any particular product are available from that product's web site. In addition, we offer the Software995 Toolset key. This is a single key covering nine of our products (with the exception of OpenOffice995), available at 29.95 for individuals, or special volume discounts. The "sponsor pages" of the free versions are very unobtrusive. Your browser will open up, but if you're not online, there will be nothing to display, and you can use the fully functional program without any problems. Check it out, and then let Jason know what you think at: Jason at CCIBrasil.org.br. (Replace the "at" with @ and remove the spaces.)
  3. FOOT-OPERATED WOOD LATHE -- A small UK engineering company with a Christian director produces a foot-operated wood lathe. It is appropriate for occupational therapy/orthopedic rehab departments in the west, but is also very useful in the non-western world for small craft applications because no electricity is needed. The company is also interested in licensing local production of the lathe in non- western countries. For more information, see... http://www.acres-willington.co.uk/ (Thanks Tony! You're great!)
  4. HOSPITALITY BOOK: CUP OF COLD WATER -- Here's a practical book on hospitality written for YWAM, mission groups and the church. Contact Debbie Rottier at cupofcoldwater@ywammt.org or at 501 Blacktail Rd, Lakeside, MT, USA 59922. View pages at http:www.ywamconnect.com/sites/Rottier
  5. OMF BAY AREA MISSION CONFERENCE -- With a theme of "The Great Commission and 21st Century Asia", this conference is slated for April 30-May 1, 2004 at Peninsula Covenant Church in Redwood City, CA. There will be four plenary sessions, 13 workshops, and tons more. For more info, contact Elaine Tai at omfconference@yahoo.com or (650) 559-8088. or browse: http://www.us.omf.org/northwest The early registration discount date is April 20.
  6. NEW BOOK RELEASE: THE INTERNATIONAL IMPACT OF PRAYER -- With more than 60 true stories from many nations, by Wentworth Pike, this new book includes stories of now-born-again Colombian inmates, President George W. Bush, an Alaskan bush pilot's SOS to God, an evangelical Arab pastor in Bethlehem, Russian-Jewish refugees in Germany, Gracia Burnham, Todd Beamer, a radio pastor to fellow Khmu tribesmen in Laos, a farm boy in Canada, and many more. Order by credit card: $17.99 (US), Pleasant Word (division of WinePress Publishing), toll-free in N. America: 1-877-421-7323. Others call 1-306-802-9758. Or see more at: http://www.pleasantword.com
  7. "THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST" -- Everybody's saying, "You *have* to go see this film!" But are you wondering what your Muslim friends will think about it? The folks from ABC (Association for Biblical Christianity) have written a short tract explaining the death of Christ in a culturally appropriate and challenging way. It fits on a two sided A4 page and can be downloaded free of charge from their website: http://www.christianityexplained.net.tc Alternatively e-mail their administrator at AAbraham@biblicalchristianity.freeserve.co.uk and he will gladly send you a formatted Microsoft publisher version of it.
  8. FREE "PEOPLE RAISING" E-MAIL NEWSLETTER -- Now there is practical advice on fund raising each month through the FREE "People Raising" E- mail newsletter -- and 6300 people have reportedly joined! Whether raising personal support or organizational funds, each newsletter is designed to help reduce the fear as well as dramatically reduce the time needed to raise funds. Advice comes from Bill Dillon, author of the popular Moody Press book People Raising: a Practical Guide to Raising Support, who has been raising funds for ministry for over 30 years. This newsletter is short, extremely practical, and easy to apply. It is a valuable tool to pass on to your staff and friends. To view a sample and to begin receiving these valuable newsletters go to http://www.PeopleRaising.com/email.cfm or e-mail <Bill@PeopleRaising.com>

  9. TENTMAKING COURSE FOR EUROPEANS IN BERGEN NORWAY -- TENT of Norway is running a 4 day intensive tentmaking course in English starting at 18:00 on the 19th of May to 14:00 on the 23rd of May. This intensive course will inform & equip those who are thinking of going as tentmakers. Last year they had 30 people in attendance from UK, Finland and of course Norway. This year's course is limited to 30 due to space restrictions. Registration before April 20, 2004 is only 1550 NOK, about 180 EUR (850 NOK for students) which includes course fee, course handbook, two meals and housing with local believers. Email Steinar Opheim for more details - steinar.opheim@tent.no For more information and course outline go to http://www.tent.no and click on Arrangement bar on bottom of page.

  10. UNRESTRICTED GLOBAL HEALTHCARE -- After more than eight years of searching for ways to provide truly global coverage, TTc has now launched the Omega Program, which is a private medical insurance that provides coverage for either an expatriate or a home country based missionary (or church worker) that gives full worldwide protection ...and at wonderfully cost-effective rates, right through into retirement. In other words, the new program will give full worldwide protection at marvelously cost effective rates no matter where a member lives or serves. If you would like further information, please write sara@talent-trust.com or visit http://www.talent-trust.com
  11. BRAZILIAN MEDICAL/DENTAL FELLOWSHIP CONGRESS -- From the 14 - 16 of May 2004, it'll feature "Health A missionary challenge in the 21st century Speakers", with Dave Stevens, Executive Director of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations, and Dr Bill Herkelrath, dean of graduate psychology department at Northwest College. Email them at evangemed@evangemed.org or evangemed@metodista-rio.org.br . The venue is First Baptist Church in São José dos Campos- Brazil SP. http://evangemed.tripod.com/brazilhealthcarechristiancongress/index.htm l Also posted in our international site http://www.icmda.net/conf.htm
  12. FUNDING MINISTRY PROJECTS -- Dr. Viggo Sogaard, Professor of Communication at Fuller Theological Seminary will be offering a two week intensive course from May 10-21 (3-6pm) on raising funds for your ministry project. The course helps with the development of fundraising strategies for missionaries, Christian organizations, and mission agencies. In the process, the student will acquire a biblical and missiological understanding of fundraising and stewardship, so the course will provide basic insights and skills for developing fund- raising strategies, preparation of material, and writing funding proposals. Check out the course description at http://www.fuller.edu/swm/ecds/042/MD523_Sogaard_042.html Students must be admitted to Fuller Seminary prior to enrolling in the class. For more info, contact (800)A-FULLER or http://www.fuller.edu
  13. STM LEADERS TRAINING - NEW DATES, NEW PLACES, LOWER PRICES! -- The highly acclaimed 3-day ServantPrep Seminar (for Short-term Mission Leaders & Trainers) was developed by Mission Training International and will be held at 2 more locations yet this Spring. The response from many church leaders and the training directors of 45 agencies has been overwhelming. Experiential, Interactive, Comprehensive, focusing on substantive issues not just logistics and impressive stories. Honolulu - April 22-24 [contact Greg Crawford ucommit@juno.com or 808-668-8481], Walnut Creek, CA - June 3-5 [contact Ray Howard servantprep@aol.com or 800-474-2129]. Registration & Tuition $170.
  14. PERSONAL SUPPORT RAISING TRAINING IN EUROPE -- The BodyBuilders will be sponsoring a Europe based Personal Support Raising Boot Camp in Berlin, Germany, May 14-15, 2004. For details on cost and registration see: http://www.thebodybuilders.net or e-mail/call: info@thebodybuilders.net 501-329-4881.
  15. 40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR (YWAM) AFRICA -- Youth With a Mission (YWAM) is organizing a 40-days-of-prayer for Africa. Between 1 April and 10 May thousands of people in and outside of Africa are bringing the continent's needs before God. John Kisamwa, the Africa Field Director says, "It has become increasingly obvious to me that Africa needs prayer. Africa and her people are faced with many challenges: the AIDS pandemic, malaria, poverty, starvation, wars and conflicts, and the situation in the cities of Africa". A Prayer Brochure is available, highlighting a different topic every day. For anyone who wants to know more or wants to be involved, see: http://www.ywamsca.com You can contact us through: info@ywam-africom.org
  16. VOLUME 3 OF "STUFF" NOW AVAILABLE -- "Still More Stuff you need to know about Doing Missions in Your Church" is a book-on-diskette (in Word 2000) of one-page lists, handouts, outlines, and summaries of things church leaders ask about doing missions. Mobilizers and mission organization personnel, as well as church leaders, find these "bottom line" summaries handy and practical. Diskettes of individual volumes are available for $12 each (including shipping). All three volumes plus a cumulative index are also available on CD ($26, including shipping). Send a check (in U.S. Funds) to ACMC, Box 221, Brownsburg, IN 46112. Specify volume 1, 2, or 3 or the CD and provide your postal address. See portions of the first two volumes and the cumulative index at http://www.davidmays.org/Resources/resmays.html
  17. SCHOOL OF CLASSICAL MUSIC IN MISSIONS -- Youth With A Mission's University of the Nations is holding its first School of Classical Music in Missions in Kiev, Ukraine from July 5 - Dec 15, 2004. Classically trained Christians (intermediate level) with a desire to use their talents in missions can improve their skills further and connect with like minded people for missions preparation, rehearsals, and various outreach concerts during the school. There is also opportunity to help develop the Symphony of Nations full-time after the school. For info http://www.TheSON.org or email Joyce at TheSON.org (replace the "at" with @ and remove the spaces.)
  18. WHERE ARE THE CHRISTIANS?: THE HERERO PEOPLE OF NAMIBIA -- Ten members of a Herero family prayed to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior! Afterwards the head of the household explained that it has been two years since a Christian has been in their town. The Christians that did come did not tell them how to be saved. They did not tell them the importance of reading the Bible or worshipping the Lord. Now they know and a house church is started. Pray for the Lord to send workers to this ripe harvest. Pray for the Lord to build prayer support for the Herero, an unengaged people group. To learn more about the Herero and other peoples, visit http://www.forgottenpeoples.info or email swacsc at iafrica.com (replace the "at" with @ and remove the spaces).
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